President Bush on January 8, 2002 signed into law the No Child Left Behind Act - the most sweeping refomed education policy in a generation. The legislation, which closely follows the President's agenda for America's public schools, passed Congress with overwhelming bipartisan majorities.
President Bush stated in his speech:
The quality of our public schools directly affects us all as parents, as students, and as citizens. Yet too many children in America are segregated by low expectations, illiteracy, and self-doubt in a constantly changing world that is demanding increasingly complex skills from its workforce, children are literally being left behind.
It doesn't have to be this way.
If our country fails in its responsibility to educate every child, were likely to fail in many other areas. But if we succeed in educating our youth, many other successes will follow throughout our country and in the lives of our citizens.
This blueprint represents part of my agenda for education reform. Though it does not encompass every aspect of the education reforms I plan to propose, this blueprint will serve as a framework from which we can all work together Democrat, Republican, and independent to strengthen elementary and secondary schools. Taken together, these reforms express my deep belief in our public schools and their mission to build the mind and character of every child, from every background, in every part of America.
As America enters the 21st Century full of hope and promise, too many of our neediest students are being left behind.
Today, nearly 70 percent of inner city fourth graders are unable to read at a basic level on national reading tests. Our high school seniors trail students in Cyprus and South Africa on international math tests. And nearly a third of our college freshman find they must take a remedial course before they are able to even begin regular college level courses.
The priorities that follow are based on the fundamental notion that an enterprise works best when responsibility is placed closest to the most important activity of the enterprise, when those responsible are given greatest latitude and support, and when those responsible are held accountable for producing results.
This education blueprint will:
* Increase Accountability for Student Performance
* Focus on What Works
* Reduce Bureaucracy and Increase Flexibility
* Empower Parents
Also our priorities in this blueprint consist of seven performance-based titles:
* Improving the academic performance of disadvantage students
* Boosting teacher quality
* Moving limited English proficient students to English fluency
* Promoting informed parental choices and innoviative programs
* Encouraging safe schools for the 21st Century
* Increasing funding for Impact Aid
* Encouraging freedom and accountability
In America, no child should be left behind. Every child should be educated to his or her full potential.
Source: President George W. Bush
Freedom of Speech would like to also Welcome home First Lady of Indiana Sherry Daniels, who will be speaking at the president's visit at Silver Street Elementary School.
